The United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines (UNYAP) will be hosting the National Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Summit for Young Filipinos on October 23-26, 2007 in Silliman University, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental with the theme “B.I.L.I.B. Young Leaders: Stand Up, Move, Lead!”

BACKGROUND/RATIONALE

The National MDG Summit for Young Filipino Leaders (SYFL) came to rise after the celebration of International Youth Day commenced after the United Nations General Assembly. This summit serves to promote youth participation and address issues concerning them and encourage their involvement in the achievement of programs for sustainable development and technological innovations. Hence, an international strategy was adopted –the World Program of Action for Youth (WPAY) to the Year 2000 and Beyond – to address more effectively the problems of young men and women and to increase opportunities for their participation in the society.

The summit covers various issues concerning youth and the Millennium Development Goals. The community immersion activities bring delegates in touch with the reality of poverty and other deprivations, and keep them aware of, and possibly inspired by the coping capabilities of residents in the mission areas. Meanwhile, fellowships and cultural nights are usually held before the conclusion of the celebration. Overall, the SYFL events bring to fore the lively element of youth, a common spirit of concern for others and a desire to participate in addressing the problems confronting society.

The concept and design of the SYFL celebration are substantive consequences of the different MDG initiatives from various sectors, and the SYFL theme “B.I.L.I.B. YOUNG leaders: STAND UP, MOVE, LEAD!” Aside from generating greater and continuing youth participation in the achievement of the MDG’s by 2015 this year’s SYFL will once again highlight the need for productive partnerships as a way of effectively tackling the concerns presented in the Millennium Summit of 2000.

Summit For Young Filipino Leaders
The United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines (UNYAP) will be hosting the National Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Summit for Young Filipino Leaders on December 6-9, 2007 in Silliman University, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental with the theme “B.I.L.I.B. Young Leaders: Stand Up,...